The Greatest Showman #1290 – Rare Debut

The atmosphere in the studio was electric. Over 300 spectators filled the seats, their whispers creating a buzz that vibrated through the air, a mixture of anticipation and unease. The room felt stifling, the tension palpable. The audience exchanged curious glances, some confused, some puzzled. They were unsure of what was unfolding in front of them, yet could not look away.

The recording of the show was about to begin, but something odd was happening. The number of bystanders was steadily growing.

At first, the comings and goings of the staff seemed normal, but gradually the space began to feel crowded. The air thickened with excitement, and by the time the audience realized it, more than 100 staff members had gathered around the auditorium, completely encircling the crowd. It felt as though the audience was trapped on an island, surrounded by a rising tide.

What was going on?

It was the first recording of the "Norton Show" for the spring of 2012. As the beginning of a new season, it was expected that there would be some extra attention, but this—this was something else. The talk show had suddenly transformed into what resembled a concert. The atmosphere was intense, the air thick with the heat of excitement. It felt like the sweltering midsummer sun, but it was only early May.

Was it because of Iron Man 3?

Before the recording, the audience had already been given the guest list for the show. Even Iron Man 3 should not have been enough to explain this. After all, the Avengers had appeared on the show the previous year, and that hadn't resulted in this kind of frenzy. So why was it different now?

Still, the bystanders kept coming. Every inch of space around the auditorium was filled. The heat was suffocating, and the crowd was growing more restless by the minute.

Was it Robert Downey Jr.? Or Gwyneth Paltrow?

Nothing about this made sense.

Then, two figures appeared on the right side of the studio. A staff member walked ahead, guiding a guest. This was a familiar part of the Norton Show format, where special guests would come out to introduce the host. Sometimes, the guest was a celebrity, other times it was a friend or crew member not involved in the recording.

But wait… was that… Renly Hall?

The audience near the right side of the auditorium was stunned. They stared in disbelief at the slender figure entering the room. Their first thought was that they must be seeing things. But as the figure drew closer, their disbelief turned to shock. Renly Hall was walking into the studio.

What about Robert Downey Jr.? What about Iron Man 3? Why was it Renly now?

The room was suddenly silent, as if the very air had been sucked out. The audience stood frozen, their minds trying to process what was happening. It was as though their brains had short-circuited, and all they could think of was Renly, Renly, Renly.

In that crowded, suffocating space, the studio had gone dead quiet, as if the atmosphere had shifted in an instant. The excitement that had been building was abruptly halted. Renly stood in front of the audience, a slight smile on his lips, acknowledging the stunned crowd.

He turned to one of the staff members and asked, "What camera number?"

Once he received confirmation, Renly nodded in understanding. Turning back to the audience, he flashed a gentle smile and said, "Good morning."

Instantly, the silence shattered. A deafening scream erupted, louder than thunder, breaking the tension and releasing all the pent-up energy. The audience couldn't contain their excitement anymore.

Renly raised his right index finger to his lips, signaling for quiet, and with that, the studio was again silenced. But beneath that calm, the energy was still simmering, ready to explode at any moment.

Renly turned to face the camera. The production manager's voice cut through the air, and the red light signifying the start of the recording flashed on. Renly's smile widened as he began his introduction. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Discovery Channel's Into Science."

The audience froze.

But Renly, ever the professional, was undeterred. With a calm voice and a charming smile, he continued, "Today, we'll explore London's West End and discuss the decline of the theater industry, its causes, and the history it has witnessed. I am your guest host, Renly Hall."

The studio erupted.

The audience, still reeling from the unexpected twist, now realized Renly had been playing a joke. It was a moment of deadpan humor, perfectly executed. Everyone had been taken in by his playful misdirection.

The first scream was followed by a chorus of cheers, as the audience finally released all the excitement they had been holding back. The studio was alive with energy, the floor shaking from the intensity of the applause.

Renly, unfazed, took a step back and, in a louder voice, said, "Everyone, welcome to The Graham Norton Show!" He grinned, "Let's applaud Graham Norton!"

The crowd went wild once again, the energy reaching a fever pitch. Even the staff, who had been working behind the scenes, couldn't contain their excitement, joining in the celebration.

At that moment, Graham Norton himself burst onto the stage, arms wide, to a thunderous round of applause. The show had officially begun, but the frenzy had already reached its peak. No one, including Graham, had expected such a response.

As Graham finally managed to begin his own opening speech, the audience was still in uproar. It seemed impossible to contain their excitement.

And just like that, the Norton Show had kicked off a new season in a way no one would ever forget.